Participants will be expected to be fully conversant with all topics taught on the Ski Guide and Snow & Ice Guiding Training Courses .

They may be assessed on any topic of the Ski Guide syllabus at any stage of the course, with allowance made in the final marking for improvement.

During the second part of the course, participants will be expected to show that they are developing an understanding of guiding techniques and have sufficient amateur ski touring skills to integrate these techniques into simulated guiding assignments. They will need to be able to demonstrate basic instruction skills for teaching clients off-piste ski technique.

Location, timing, and length
Ski Guides Courses will include both Level 1 and Level 2 participants.
The course will take place in one of the high alpine areas of the Southern Alps. Typical venues are Aoraki/Mt Cook, Westland, and Mount Aspiring.
Ski Guides Courses are 14 days long and are held around the end of September.

Status
On passing a Ski Guide Level 1 Course and receiving ratification from the Technical Subcommittee, the participant attains the status of NZMGA Assistant Ski Guide.

Competence level
An Assistant Ski Guide has sufficient experience to work under indirect supervision on heliski, and ski touring operations in glaciated terrain. You have the ability to analyse terrain and snowpack for hazard and the leadership and communication skills to safely lead clients through the mountains.
Teaching and group management skills should be adequate for you to assist on basic and intermediate level ski mountaineering instruction courses under supervision.
Guided mountaineering must be done under direct supervision and only to access skiing and to be on no more than grade 1 terrain.
Personal mountaineering competence should be at grade 2 or higher.